I had some time to kill while I was waiting for my man-cub to finish violin lessons. I decided to drive a few blocks to Pacoima since I had my camera with me. I feel called to bless this city, which is only a stone’s throw away from my ‘hood. 

I parked at the corner of Van Nuys and Glenoaks. This is quite a busy intersection and there were people on every corner. I noticed that people are reticent to smile at strangers, much less a white girl with a camera but it didn’t stop me grinning from ear to ear. 

I wandered into a lavanderia because I can’t seem to resist them. Promptly, I was chased out by the manager. I saw a group of men standing in the parking lot and decided to approach them for a photograph. They welcomed me right away, loving that I wanted to “shoot them” with a camera. We introduced ourselves and I told them about my photography project. I purpose to put on record the people and places of Pacoima. Yes, I am quite proud of that alliteration. 

A Smile is the Universal Welcome Max Eastman

Meet Little Stone (drinking) and Crazy Sox. I enjoyed shooting the breeze with them. I did tell them I want my own nickname. After I left them, my grin was even bigger. In fact, I was downright giddy. After all, this is my beloved community.